Harriet Smales had quite recovered consciousness, and was very soon able to give her own account of the incident.

After listening to her, Miss Rutherford turned to the schoolchildren, who were now seated in the usual order on benches, and spoke to them with some degree of calm.
"I am going to take Harriet home.

Lucy Wood, you will please to see that order is preserved in my absence; I shall only be away twenty minutes, at the most.

Ida Starr, you will go up into my sitting-room, and remain there till I come to you.

All take out your copy-books; I shall examine the lines written whilst I am away." The servant, who had been despatched for a cab, appeared at the door.
Harriet Smales was led out.